What the 75 Hard Challenge Taught Me About Business with Jai Harvey-Yin of Fabulosity
Pushing your limits isn’t just a physical feat — it’s a mental and emotional journey that can shape how you approach life and business. I recently interviewed Jai Harvey-Yin, founder of Fabulosity, about her experience completing the 75 Hard Challenge, a mental and physical toughness program that pushed her to create new routines, rediscover her resilience, and transform her mindset.
But what makes her story so compelling is how this personal challenge taught her lessons about running a successful business. Let’s talk about Jai’s experience, explore what’s behind the 75 Hard Challenge, and chat about navigating both life and entrepreneurship – even when you face extreme challenges.
But First, What IS the 75 Hard Challenge?
Andy Frisella created the 75 Hard trending challenge, which isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s about mental toughness and discipline.
For 75 consecutive days, you have to commit to these six non-negotiables: two 45-minute workouts (one must be outdoors); drink a gallon of water (about 3-4 litres); follow a meal plan (no cheat days, no sugar, no alcohol); read 10 pages of a nonfiction book; and take a daily progress photo. Miss a single task? You start over from day one.
“It’s confronting,” Jai told me, “especially for high-achieving women who don’t like to fail.” But she embraced the challenge as a way to prove to herself – and her clients – that she could practice what she preaches.
The Hidden Challenges of 75 Hard
Taking on the 75 Hard Challenge was a major undertaking for Jai (as it is for anyone!)
She said that she faced time management struggles balancing workouts, water intake, and client responsibilities, had to navigate social pressures, navigating events without alcohol, and dealt with the occasional rainy workout or late-night catch-up.
To manage, she decided to really lean into her systems – adapting her schedule, using an app to keep her accountable, and monitoring her progress.
Which (unsurprisingly) mirrors the kind of flexibility we all have to have as business owners, juggling priorities and tasks, making sacrifices, and staying committed through the hard times.
Jai’s Key Business Lessons from the 75 Hard Challenge
Consistency Over Perfection
One of the most powerful lessons Jai learned was the value of consistency.
“It wasn’t glamorous, but showing up every single day made the difference,” she said. In business, consistency builds trust and momentum. Whether it’s publishing regular content, following up with clients, or refining your systems, those small daily actions compound into big results over time.
Even when a certain task isn’t perfect (whether it’s a workout or a social post) it’s better to continue on and be consistent rather than giving up and starting at zero.
Plan for Success, But Be Flexible
When completing the challenge, Jai decided that she wouldn’t meticulously plan every detail, but she would be ready to adapt when things came up.
Sometimes, depending on the weather, she’d have to swap a morning or evening workout, or she’d have to fit in tasks late at night when her schedule ran over.
I think most women business owners learn to have this capability, to pivot when it’s crucial for business. Having a plan is essential, but having flexibility in that plan is just as important. You have to know that you can keep moving forward even when things don’t go as expected.
Accountability Is a Game-Changer
Jai credits much of her success while doing the 75 Hard Challenge to the support systems she created — using the 75 Hard app, joining a gym challenge, and leaning on her community for encouragement. “You can’t do it alone,” she said.
This sentiment remains true in business, too. Accountability can come from mentors, mastermind groups, or even your team. Having someone to hold you to your commitments ALWAYS increases your likelihood of success.
Your ‘Why’ Matters More Than You Think
Jai’s why led her through the tough parts of this challenge and motivated her to finish strong. Your motivation doesn’t have to align with anyone else’s expectations. It just needs to resonate deeply with you. In business, a strong, personal why keeps you grounded and focused.
Small Wins Build Big Confidence
By breaking her tasks into manageable chunks, Jai built momentum.
Each completed workout or daily photo was a small victory, reinforcing her belief in her ability to succeed. Celebrating small wins in your business (like securing a new client, hitting a revenue milestone, or launching a product) fuels your confidence and propels you forward.
Transforming Challenges Into Growth
Jai shared that the 75 Hard Challenge taught her lessons that DIRECTLY apply to running a successful business:
- Consistency drives results (show up every day, even when it’s unglamorous).
- Adaptability is crucial (pivot when challenges arise but stay focused on your end goal).
- Accountability creates momentum (surround yourself with people who will support and challenge you).
- Your why is your fuel (let your motivation be personal and compelling).
- And push past excuses (growth requires doing the hard work others avoid).
One of the biggest surprises for Jai was discovering the joy of exercise – a feeling she’d never fully experienced before. “I finally got it,” she said. “It’s about more than fitness – it’s about mental clarity and starting the day on the right note.”
Find Joy in the Journey
In business, finding joy in the journey, rather than fixating on the destination, makes the process SO much better. At HerBusiness, we have a saying – “Do what you love every day”. We have to create business that fuels us, work that really inspires us, and do it with a community that keeps us moving. If you’re looking for a community like that, grab a spot on the HerBusiness Network waitlist.
Inside the membership, you’ll connect to incredible women business owners (like Jai!), access unparalleled business education, and experience our game-changing events and retreats specifically for women entrepreneurs. Join the waitlist now to be notified when we open membership.
